A panoramic view of Qianhai on July 3.
September 6 marks the third anniversary of the promulgation of the The Plan for Comprehensive Deepening Reform and Opening Up of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone (Qianhai Plan) by the Central Government in 2021.
Years into its development, Qianhai is increasingly being recognized as a dynamic destination for living, working, and exploring by both expats and Chinese citizens.
Bigger role
Thanks to the Qianhai Plan, the geographical scope of Qianhai has expanded significantly, growing from 14.92 square kilometers to 120.56 square kilometers. This expansion now includes the Shekou area and one-fifth of Bao’an District, primarily focusing on its coastal western regions.
A map showing the original Qianhai area (in orange) and the expanded areas (in yellow).
The Qianhai Plan also outlines four major strategic roles for Qianhai to play: a pilot platform for comprehensive reform and innovation, a high-level portal for international openness, a leading area for deep integration between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, and a hub for the high-quality development of modern service industries.
Russian expat Vlada Ulianova recently opened her second baby spa and health-care facility in Qianhai, underscoring her profound affinity for and belief in the region’s business environment.
“Qianhai is the best place for my family and me. We love the environment and the facilities here. We frequently visit Sea World and the many beautiful parks in Qianhai, like Guiwan Park. I also take my younger daughter to the Uniwalk shopping mall for early education classes. Additionally, I enjoy attending performances at the Bay Opera of Shenzhen where I can watch original dramas and operas from Russia. Almost all of our family’s activities are centered around Qianhai,” she said.
Vlada Ulianova
Ulianova’s latest establishment has a more expansive layout compared to the first, which allowed for the introduction of services like Montessori early education. She said that in the future, she plans to launch additional centers, establish franchised outlets, and potentially set up a ballet training facility in Qianhai.
On the other hand, Guy Mobey, an assistant head coach at the AESports Academy who hails from the U.K., is busy championing British sports education techniques to advance tennis, rugby, and pickleball in Shenzhen.
Guy Mobey
As a resident of Qianhai, he shared that both his family and British compatriots were pleasantly surprised by the region’s contemporary vibe, cosmopolitan flair, and laid-back lifestyle.
“Living here is quite relieving. For instance, many banks in Qianhai have staff who provide services in English. People in this area are very welcoming to internationals, making Qianhai a wonderful blend of cultures,” he said.
Mobey’s academy collaborates with Qianhai-based organizations like the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce Qianhai and the Guangdong-HK-Macao Bay Area Entrepreneurs Alliance to host annual tennis tournaments.
Robust growth
Since the launch of the Qianhai Plan, the area has experienced robust growth. From January to June of this year, Qianhai achieved a regional gross domestic product (GDP) of 121.38 billion yuan (US$17 billion), representing a year-on-year increase of 7.1%. The amount of utilized foreign investment in Qianhai reached 10.63 billion yuan, accounting for 56.6% of Shenzhen’s total.
Mawan Smart Port
Official data show that Qianhai is now home to over 10,000 foreign-invested firms that have invested over US$40 billion in the zone, Wang Jinxia, deputy director of the Qianhai Authority, said in late June.
Qianhai is committed to creating an internationalized business and living environment that makes life easier for international residents. Currently, Qianhai is home to nine international schools, including the Harrow International School Shenzhen Qianhai and The King’s School Shenzhen.
The area also has 10 international medical institutions, such as Shenzhen Qianhai Taikang Hospital. Moreover, the Shenzhen Qianhai Shekou Free Trade Zone Hospital has received authorization to use drugs and medical devices that are approved for use in hospitals in Hong Kong and Macao but not on the mainland. Expat residents now have diverse options for their children’s education and their families’ health care.
Guiwan Financial Center
Diego Alexander Alcala-Gaona, an avid rollerblader and photographer from the U.K., frequently visits Qianhai in search of new adventures.
“There is a fantastic skate park inside the Shekou Sports Center, and Qianhai’s Shekou area is regarded as the top destination among expats,” he said. Over the past eight years, he has been inspired by Qianhai’s growth as a major hub for various companies.
Diego Alexander Alcala-Gaona
“I really enjoy taking photos and capturing different aspects of life in Shenzhen. Qianhai’s new, modern architecture offers a unique vibe compared with other places, and it continues to develop rapidly. Each time I visit Qianhai, I might encounter a new building or public space, presenting a fresh adventure that excites me,” he said.
Qianhai’s geographical expansion has transformed it into an international urban center that seamlessly integrates mountains, the sea, forests, urban landscapes, islands, ports, and bays. With several new tourism projects set to be completed soon, including Huafa Snow World and the K11 ECOAST complex, Qianhai will become increasingly attractive.